Cuban MLB Players News for the 2023 postseason. A compendium from several sources
Oct 15
American League Championship Series
Rangers 2, Astros 0
Texas Rangers defeated Houston Astros 2-0 on Sunday night in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. In the best-of-seven series, the Rangers lead 1-0. Winners will meet either the Philadelphia Phillies or Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series.
Jordan Montgomery made a strong start for the Rangers, pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts. Additionally, Evan Carter and Leody Taveras, as well as catcher Jonah Heim, contributed to his success. Justin Verlander was a victim of big hits by Heim (RBI single) and Taveras (solo homer). Verlander was charged with the loss.
In the eighth inning, a video review determined José Altuve failed to retouch second base after returning to first on a deep fly out by Alex Bregman. Altuve's mistake had a significant impact on the outcome.
In all best-of-seven postseason series, teams winning Game 1 have gone on to win the series 121 of 188 times (64%). In series with the current 2-3-2 format, teams taking a 1-0 lead on the road have gone on to win the series 39 of 70 times (56%).
Yordan Álvarez had a rough night at the dish as the Astros dropped Game 1 of the ALCS to the Rangers on Sunday night, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
The 26-year-old slugger faced left-hander Jordan Montgomery in each of his first three at-bats — and all three times he went down swinging at a curveball. The second time, came with two men on base and two outs in the third inning. He then bounced out weakly to first base off of Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning. He’s still having a phenomenal postseason — hitting .350 (7-for-20) with four homers and six RBI.
Aroldis Chapman, scoreless but...
In another postseason game, Aroldis Chapman struggled against the Astros. With non out and Altuve at first, he was called in the 8th inning. Several minutes later, Alex Bregman hit a deep fly out to left field but was caught by rookie Evan Carter against the wall. The infield was able to convert a rare double play on Altuve's mistake after Carter returned the ball. Chapman's night was saved by that. Then, he retired Álvarez with a grounder to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to end the inning. As a whole, he pitched one scoreless inning in his 39th postseason appearance.
José Abreu one single in Game.
Abreu also struggled against the Rangers in Game 1. Despite going 1-for-4, he struck out twice.
Adolis García hitless in Game.
For Cuban hitters, it was definitely not a good night. It was a hitless night for Adolis against the Astros. It was a 0-for-4 night for him.
Rangers lead 1-0
